Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Kirby.
Molly, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My mother and grandmother were artists but didn’t know it. In my early childhood imagination was everywhere, from cute Thanksgiving turkey cookies to my everyday outfits, my mother was on top of it. Those are the memories I cherish.
When I was eight I lost my mother, creativity diminished, and my life became dark. Crafts were no longer a part of my life, and art hit the back burner. It was in high school where I was introduced to new mediums including ceramics, photography, and creative writing. Even though I enjoyed these classes, art never crossed my mind as a profession.
Years later after dropping out of community college, I began to work retail. Once I transferred to the women’s department, fashion started calling my name. It took time, but once I grew the confidence I applied to Columbia College Chicago. I was accepted into their fashion program, and my life brightened. Since then my knowledge of self has begun to unravel, and my view on life has taken a sharp turn. Now art is my favorite part of everyday life.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
In my first semester at Columbia I learned about the toll fashion plays on the environment. It was at that point where I knew I wanted to do more than create, I wanted to make a difference. A main focus of mine is to create as little waste as possible. I do this by creating ecofriendly one of a kind wearable art. We’re all individuals, and I believe we should treat ourselves that way. Often times I see people going towards name brands to fit in but individuality is what makes us so beautiful.
The beginning of my upcycling is my jewelry line, which came together organically. I needed a chain for a new pendant, so I braided up some trim from my hand dyed work. I loved the raw feel and stuck with it. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on fashion and expanding my art experience.
LIFE
—–
chaos
Is the fashion collection I just finished? The core inspiration came from my struggle with anxiety and depression. That feeling of wanting to do everything but not having the energy for anything. I want others to know they’re not alone. It has been an amazing release to work based off my emotion, but at the end of the day it isn’t just for me. This is for the lost. The disoriented. The broken. The trapped. The chaos may never end, but we must let life take the driver’s seat.
How can artists connect with other artists?
EXPLORE, EXPLORE, EXPLORE. I know there are days where it feels like no one gets you, but everything will fall into place. Or that feeling of not having artistic opportunities near you, but it will come. I felt this way before Blank Haus came fell into my lap, but since then have learned just how much the Chicago art scene has to offer.
Never give up, I believe even the darkest path leads to the light.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am a core member at Blank Haus an amazing art collective and gallery. I display my jewelry, multimedia, and explorative paintings there on the regular. I absolutely love it, there’s nothing better than being surrounded by beautiful souled artists.
I also have my Shopify account, mollymorphosis.myshopify.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mollymorphosis.myshopify.com/admin/auth/login
- Email: mollykirbyfashion@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollymorphosis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molly.kirby.16
Image Credit:
K.Ryon Photography
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